Beyond the Thyroid – Episode 1: Why does this ENT doctor care so much about hormones?

Welcome to the first episode of Beyond the Thyroid! I’m Dr. Dana Gibbs, and today, I’m sharing the journey that led me, an ENT surgeon, to dedicate my career to thyroid and hormone health. It’s a path I never imagined back when I completed my surgical training, but my own health struggles and the limitations of mainstream medicine pushed me to make this significant shift. In this episode, I’ll dive into why I care so deeply about this subset of patients who often get overlooked and how I’m working to provide the care they deserve.

My Personal Journey with Thyroid Health
My journey into thyroid and hormone health is deeply personal. Throughout my teens and twenties, I suffered from an undiagnosed thyroid disorder that affected every aspect of my life—my energy, mental health, and even my ability to pursue a career in medicine. Despite being surrounded by doctors, my symptoms were overlooked, and I was misdiagnosed with conditions like depression. It wasn’t until I attended a continuing education lecture that I realized my thyroid might be the culprit. This revelation and subsequent treatment transformed my life and sparked a passion to help others who might be suffering in silence.

Why Thyroid Health Matters
Thyroid health is about so much more than just the thyroid gland. The thyroid controls energy production, growth, and numerous other functions in the body. When it’s not working properly, it can lead to a cascade of symptoms that are often dismissed or misdiagnosed. Unfortunately, traditional medicine often relies solely on TSH tests, which can miss more subtle thyroid abnormalities. My mission is to dig deeper and look beyond the thyroid gland to help patients who have been told their thyroid is "normal" but still feel far from it.

Integrative Approach to Hormone Health
As I continued to learn more about thyroid health, I noticed a pattern: many of my ENT patients had underlying thyroid issues that were contributing to their chronic respiratory problems. This realization, combined with my own experience entering perimenopause, led me to expand my practice to include comprehensive hormone care. I now offer a blend of proven treatments, natural solutions, and cutting-edge therapies to address thyroid and hormone imbalances, all grounded in the latest medical research.

Understanding Thyroid Basics
In this episode, I also introduce the basics of thyroid health. The thyroid gland is a small but powerful endocrine gland that plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. It secretes thyroid hormone, which stimulates energy production and regulates many bodily functions. Without sufficient thyroid hormone, our bodies can’t function properly, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and more.

This episode is just the beginning of our journey together. In future episodes, I’ll explore the intricacies of thyroid function, discuss the interplay between thyroid and other hormones, and share an integrated approach to diagnosing and treating thyroid and hormone imbalances. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your own thyroid and hormone health, helping you achieve a renewed sense of vitality.

Thank you so much for listening! Tune in on the next episode. 🔔

If you found this episode insightful, please consider leaving a five-star review for the Beyond the Thyroid podcast. Your support helps others find this valuable resource. To learn more about Dr. Gibbs and her approach to hormone health, visit her website at www.danagibbsmd.com. Remember, this podcast is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue this journey together beyond the thyroid.